Reigning Big 12 champion Texas was unanimously selected as the 2012 preseason favorite to win this year's Conference volleyball title. This marks the fifth season the Longhorns have earned the top preseason spot (1996, 2008, ‘09, ‘11).

The 2012 preseason poll was selected by the league's head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own team.

Texas, who advanced to its sixth straight NCAA Regional Final appearance in 2011, tallied 64 points in the poll. Iowa State earned the No. 2 spot (54 points) with Kansas State tabbed third, just one point behind the Cyclones. Oklahoma ranked fourth, while Baylor placed fifth, matching its highest preseason ranking (2009). Kansas, TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia make up the sixth through ninth spots, respectively.

The Longhorns return 2011 Big 12 Player of the Year Bailey Webster, 2011 Big 12 Freshman of the Year Haley Eckerman and welcome 2012 Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year Molly McCage. UT's roster for the upcoming season will include one senior, four juniors, four sophomores and five freshmen. In 2011, The ‘Horns compiled a 25-5 overall record along with a 15-1 mark in Big 12 play, finishing fourth in the final AVCA poll. Texas defeated Kentucky in the NCAA Regional Semifinals before falling to eventual national champion UCLA in the Regional Finals. Four-time Big 12 Coach of the Year Jerritt Elliott returns for his 12th season looking to guide the ‘Horns to their sixth Big 12 title (1997, 2007, ‘08, ‘09, ‘11).

The Cyclones and Wildcats joined Texas in the NCAA Regional Semifinals in 2011. Iowa State finished last season with a program-best third-ranked RPI, while K-State upset No. 2 national seed Nebraska in Lincoln in the NCAA Second Round to make its third Regional appearance in school history.

The Conference finished 2011 with the nation's best RPI and advanced seven teams to the NCAA postseason. Big 12 teams open the season the weekend of Aug. 24 with conference action beginning on Sept. 19.